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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Asphodelaceae (~Liliaceae) |
| Origin: Africa, Central (Africa) |
| Flower Color: Apricot |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
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Kniphofia thomsonii (Alpine Poker) - This Kniphofia, the only alpine in the genus, is an East African species that occurs up to about 13,000 ft on Mount Kilimanjaro. It grows to only about 3 ft tall in the wild, but in cultivation the inflorescences can reach 5 ft. The keel-shaped leaves are a glaucous blue green. The orange flowers are widely scattered (lax) on the last 18" of the inflorescence. This plant usually favors damp soil, but can also grow in fairly dry situations. The name Kniphofia honors Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (1704 -1763), a German physician and botanist. The pronunciation of this genus is often argued about and while most continue to use the easiest to pronounce versions such as ny-FOE-fee-ah or nee-FOF-ee-a, others argue correctly that the name should follow the pronunciation of the name it commemorates. But even for this there are differences of opinion owing to different German regional dialects - one such pronunciation often noted as correct is nip-HOFF-ee-uh while another that is particularly hard to pronounce is k-nip-HOF-ia. Keeping it simple we still use ny-FOE-fee-ah.
The information that is presented on this page is based on research we have conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online sources. We also consider observations we have made of it in the nursery's garden and in other gardens we have visited, as well how it performs in our nursery crops out in the field. We incorporate comments that we receive from others as well and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they know of cultural information that would aid others in growing Kniphofia thomsonii. |
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